Scientific wonders leave over 5,000 in awe

The National Science Day celebrations at the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) saw over 5,000 people visiting the centre on Thursday.

Administrative officer of IUCCA Santosh Khadilkar said that last year the centre had witnessed participation of around 3,000 people.

The day is celebrated to mark the discovery of ‘Raman Effect’ by Nobel prize winner Venkataram Chandrashekhar. A variety of programmes were held on the occasion from 10 am to 5 pm.

People had a chance to be part of science toy exhibition, poster display on the major IUCAA projects, ‘Ask a Scientist’ which featured Jayant Narlikar and director of IUCAA Ajit Kembhavi, a demonstration on stereoscopy and sky show.
Khadilkar said, “People from all age groups were part of the celebrations. The enthusiasm was evident in the programme ‘Ask a Scientist’.”

Kembhavi said, “Through the programmes we intend to inspire people to become scientists themselves. The celebration aims to promote the scientific temperament among people,” he said.

Eshan Tripathy, first year engineering student at Army Institute of Technology, said, “I like the posters showing projects that are being taken up by IUCAA.”

Radhika Pandharpure, a B Com student at Garware College, said, “Though I am a commerce student, I have always been interested in science. I am looking forward to see the sky show at night.”  Similarly, Rishikesh Kadam, an standard VIII student of Mahesh Vidyalaya, said, “In school, the science classes
are boring. Here, science is fascinating. It was a good experience.”